Leash locking mechanism

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a locking device that can be integrated onto a leash, and which provides a solution to the problem of slip-on collars over tightening or being inconvenient to use. The locking device comprises of a main body, a lock piece, a hook, and one or more arms. The one or more arms are connected within the main body to engage with the hook and the lock piece to lock a width of a collar portion which is formed from the pieces integrated onto the leash. The main body is configured to slide on the leash, and the lock piece is fixed onto the leash and when the lock piece slides into the main body, the main body is prevented from sliding. The hook is connected to a first end of the leash and when inserted into the main body forms the collar portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional application which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/155,739 filed on Mar. 3,2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is directed to locking devices, and moreparticularly to a locking device that can be integrated onto a flatwebbing.

BACKGROUND

Dog collars of various types exist. Some collars have a loop that passesover the dog's head and then is tightened. These collars generally takethe form of “choker” collars that have no mechanism to stop the collarfrom tightening or loosening and are held on the dog's neck by keepingtension on the collar. Choker collars can restrict the breathing of adog wearing the collar with enough tension. Further, if no tension iskept on the choker collar the collar may become loose and move out ofposition (e.g., over the head of the dog or tangled in the legs of thedog) or even fall off the dog.

Some collars exist that slip over the head of the dog and includemechanisms to stop the collar from becoming too tight. Others includemechanisms that prevent the collar from becoming too loose. However, allof these attempts have been inconvenient for a variety of reasons. Oneexample of these inconvenient solutions is a collar with a strap thatincludes holes through which a locking mechanism may pass through tokeep the collar from tightening or loosening. This solution isinconvenient because a person putting on the collar must place thelocking mechanism in a hole while the collar is around the dog's neck,which may be difficult when a dog is excited to go outside or otherwiseis not being compliant, and which is far less convenient than a chokercollar which simply slips over the dog's head and is ready to use.

Another example of an inconvenient solution is a collar with a disc orsimilar device on the strap to prevent the collar from becoming tootight. Although many of these collars can be easily slipped over thehead of the dog, the disc does not prevent the collar from becoming tooloose or falling off the dog. Also, it can be difficult or impossible toadjust the collar size on the dog because the disc must be fixed to alocation on the strap to prevent the collar from tightening.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments are provided below for a locking device that maybe used with a leash. The locking device may be integrated onto awebbing material to form a a slip-on leash for a dog or another animal.In other words, the locking device integrated onto a webbing materialmay form a leash and collar all in one and that with the locking devicethe collar can be set to a certain width and then locked to preventovertightening or loosening. The locking device may also be included ona dog collar that can be slipped around a dog's neck or another animal'sneck. The locking device may also be on any other object that canbenefit from such a locking device. The locking device may include amain body that is divided into a first section and a second section. Oneor more arms are connected within the second section. The locking devicemay also include a locking piece and a hook. The locking piece isconfigured to fit within the first section of the main body and includesa tab that projects outward from the locking piece which engages with anoverhanging portion on one of the arms of the one or more arms tosecurely lock the locking piece within the main body. The hook isconfigured to fit within the second section with the one or more armsholding the hook in place within the second section of the main body.The one or more arms may be moved by pressing on to release the lockingpiece, the hook, or both.

The disclosed device is unique and may provide significant advantageswhen compared with other devices and solutions known in the arts becauseit provides a locking device that may be used with a slip-on dog leashor dog collar which prevents the device from tightening or loosening asthe leash or collar is being pulled on. The disclosed device alsoprovides a convenient method for putting or removing a slip-on dog leashor dog collar. Additionally, the locking device, when included on aslip-on dog leash or dog collar, allows for convenient adjustments insize of a collar portion of a strap of the device.

Other advantageous features as well as other aspects and advantages ofthe invention will be apparent from the following description and theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below withreference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects,and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understoodwith regard to the following description, appended claims, andaccompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are forillustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possibleimplementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 shows an example perspective view of a locking device integratedonto a leash according to one or more non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of collar section of the leash with thelocking device according to one or more non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of the locking device according to one ormore non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 3B shows a close-up view of the locking device in an engagedposition according to one or more non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows an example top view of a main body of the locking deviceaccording to one or more non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 5A shows an example of a lock piece of the locking device accordingto one or more non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 5B shows the lock piece and the leash before the lock piece isfixed to the leash according to one or more non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 5C shows the lock piece fixed onto the leash and further shows aprojecting element on the lock piece according to one or morenon-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 6A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking device inFIG. 3B taken along line B-B illustrating a hook engaging with a firstand second arm of the locking device.

FIG. 6B shows the locking device from FIG. 6A illustrating the hookengaged with the first and second arms of the locking device.

FIG. 6C shows the locking device from FIG. 6B illustrating the hookdisengaged from the first and second arms of the locking device.

FIG. 7A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking device inFIG. 3B taken along line A-A illustrating the lock piece engaging withthe first arm.

FIG. 7B shows the locking device from FIG. 7A illustrating the lockpiece disengaged from the first arm.

FIG. 8 is an example top view of the locking device according to one ormore non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 9A shows an example view of the collar portion of the leash withthe lock piece disengaged from the main body of the locking device.

FIG. 9B shows the collar portion of the leash integrated with thelocking device placed around a dog's neck with the lock piece disengagedfrom the main body.

FIG. 9C shows the locking device on the leash in a locked position.

FIG. 9D shows the hook released from the main body to quickly remove thecollar portion of the leash from the dog's neck.

FIG. 10a shows an example view of an alternative embodiment of a lockingdevice.

FIG. 10B shows the alternative embodiment of the locking deviceintegrated with a leash and with a hook and a lock piece engaged in amain body of the locking device.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment of the lockingdevice.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a main body of the alternative embodiment ofthe locking device.

FIG. 13 shows an internal view of the alternate embodiment of thelocking device illustrating the hook engaged with the first and secondarms.

FIG. 14 shows an internal view of the alternate embodiment of thelocking device illustrating the lock piece engaged with the first andsecond arms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above, in this Detailed Description, the claims below,and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particularfeatures of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure ofthe invention in this specification includes all possible combinationsof such particular features. For example, where a particular feature isdisclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of theinvention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used—to theextent possible—in combination with and/or in the context of otherparticular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in theinvention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionallypresent. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”)components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A,B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but alsocontain one or more other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or moredefined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order orsimultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), andthe method can include one or more other steps which are carried outbefore any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, orafter all the defined steps (except where the context excludes thatpossibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote thestart of a range including that number (which may be a range having anupper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined).For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most”followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range,including that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lowerlimit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variablebeing defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “atmost 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, arange is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a firstnumber)-(a second number),” this means a range whose limits include bothnumbers. For example, “25 to 100” means a range whose lower limit is 25and upper limit is 100 and includes both 25 and 100. Certain terminologyand derivations thereof may be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example,words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer todirections in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwisestated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer todirections toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of adevice or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singulartense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.

The term “coupled to” as used herein may mean a direct or indirectconnection via one or more components.

Referring now to the drawings and the following written description ofthe present invention, it will be readily understood by those personsskilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broadutility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the presentinvention other than those herein described, as well as many variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from orreasonably suggested by the present invention and the detaileddescription thereof, without departing from the substance or scope ofthe present invention. This disclosure is only illustrative andexemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes ofproviding a full and enabling disclosure of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a non-limitingembodiment of a locking device 100 integrated onto a leash 400 that isadapted to be slipped onto an animal's neck, such as a dog. For theremainder of this disclosure, the leash 400 and locking device 100 willbe used with a dog, as an example. The locking device 100 is integratedonto a leash 400 to form a collar section 410 and a strap section 420.The collar section 410 of the leash 400 forms a loop that is placedaround the dog's neck. The collar section 410 further includes anadjustment piece 412, such as and not limited to a buckle or a slideglider, that allows the collar section 410 to widen or shorten. Thestrap section 420 of the leash may include a handle 422. The leash 400may be similar to other leashes that are known and available in the artsor will be in the future. The leash 400 integrated with the lockingdevice 100 can come in many sizes and lengths to accommodate small,medium, and large sized dogs. The leash 400, for example, may have alength of about 5-8 feet. In some example embodiments, the leash 400 maybe parts of a single continuous webbing strap, cord, chain, rope, orother similar material. In other embodiments, portions of the leash 400may be made of different materials.

The handle 422 and the collar portion 410 are formed on opposite ends ofthe leash 400 with a length of the strap 420 separating the two. Theleash 400 may have a first end 401 and a second end 402. The collarportion 410 is formed near the first end 401. The handle 422 is formednear the second end 402, which may be formed by doubling over the strap400 and attaching (by sewing, glue, rivet, etc.) the second end 402 ofthe leash 400 to another portion of the strap 422 to form a loop sizedfor a human hand. The adjustment piece 412 is attached to the leash 400within the collar section 410. As mentioned above, the adjustment piece412 allows the collar section 410 to widen or shorten the loop to fitaround a dog's neck. It is to be understood that this is an example ofhow the leash 400 may be formed, however, there are variations to otherforms and shapes that the leash 400 may take.

Refer to FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B regarding the locking device 100 integratedon to the leash 400. FIG. 2 is close-up view of the collar section 410of the leash 400 with the locking device in an unengaged position. FIG.3A is an exploded view of the locking device 100. FIG. 3B is a close-upview of the locking device 100 in a fully engaged position. As shown inFIG. 2, the locking device 100 is integrated onto the leash 400 and theplacement of the different elements of the locking device 100 assist informing the collar section 410 of the leash 400. The locking device 100comprises of a main body 110, a hook, 120, a lock piece 130, and one ormore arms 140, 142. The hook 120 is connected to the first end 401 ofthe leash 400. The lock piece 130 is fixedly connected to the leash 400and is positioned between the adjustment piece 412 and the main body 110which is positioned on the leash 400 between the lock piece 130 and thehandle 422. The adjustment piece 412 of the leash is between the hook120 and the lock piece 130. In other words, when looking at the leash400 from the first end 401 to the second end 402, the hook 120 isconnected to the first end 401, next is the adjustment piece 412 on theleash 400, next is the locking piece 130 which is fixed onto the leash,then the main body 110 of the locking device 100, then the strap section420, and lastly the handle 422 configured from looping the second end402.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the lock piece 130 is fixedly connected to theleash 400, and the leash 400 may then pass through a slit 112 a (shownin FIG. 4) in the main body 110 on a side that moves toward the secondend 402 which has the handle 422. From the lock piece 130, on a sidemoving toward the first end 401, the leash 400 may pass through theadjustment piece 412 (with the fixed lock piece 130 positioned betweenthe main body 110 and the adjustment piece 412). From the adjustmentpiece 412, the leash 400 may then pass through an opening 122 in thehook 120 of the locking device 100 and loop back to the adjustment piece412. Because a section of the collar portion 410 between the hook 120and the adjustment piece 412 is a looped section 414, the adjustmentpiece 412 can be used to adjust the length of the collar portion 410,which will be discussed below.

The strap portion 420 of the leash 400 may slide through the slit 112 a(See, FIG. 4) in the main body 110 of the locking device 100, exceptwhen the lock piece 130 is engaged with the main body 110, which will bediscussed in more detail below. In other words, the main body 110 is notfixed to the leash 400 such that the main body 110 may slide along thestrap portion 420 between the handle and the lock piece 130. When thelock piece 130 is engaged with the main body 110, the main body 110 isprevented from sliding on the leash 400. When the lock piece 130 is notengaged with the main body 110, the collar portion 410 may be widenedallowing for the collar portion 410 to be placed over the head of a dog.Then, the lock piece 130 may be slid toward the main body 110 by pullingon the strap section 420 to engage the lock piece 130 with the main body110 to lock and prevent further movement of the main body 110 on theleash 400 and lock a size of the collar portion 410. The one or morearms 140, 146 are connected to the main body 110 and may be used toengage and disengage the lock piece 130 from the main body 110.Additionally, the one or more arms 140, 142 may also be used to engageand disengage the hook 120 from the main body 110. The hook 120 whenengaged is attached to the main body 110, and when disengaged can beremoved from the main body 110, allowing the collar portion 410 of theleash 400 to fully open and undo the loop of the collar portion 410.Removing the hook 120 from the main body 110 allows the collar portion410 to come off the dog's neck quickly.

The size of the loop of the collar portion 410 may be adjusted using theadjustment piece 412. The looped section 414, and a straight section 416(a section between the lock piece 130 and the adjustment piece 412)together determine the length of the loop of the collar portion 410(when the lock piece 130 is engaged with the main body 110). By movingthe adjustment mechanism 412, the looped section 414 can be lengthenedor shortened, and this changes the size of the loop of the collarportion 410. The size of the loop of the collar portion may be increased(and conversely the length of the looped section 414 can be shortened)when the adjustment mechanism 412 is slid away from the lock piece 130and toward the hook 120 of the locking device 100. The size of the loopof the collar portion 410 may be decreased (and conversely the length ofthe looped section 414 may be increased) when the adjustment piece 412is moved toward the lock piece 130 and away from the hook 120 of thelocking device 100.

Referring specifically to the locking device 100, FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate the elements that comprise the locking device 100 and how thekey components are connected to each other to provide a usefulfunctionality. Also referring to FIG. 4, a top view of a non-limitingexample of the main body 110 is shown. The main body 110 provides astructural support for the remainder of the elements comprising thelocking device 100. The main body 110 is configured with four sidesconnected to a closed bottom end and having an open top end. The terms“bottom” and “top” are strictly being used for reference purposes. Themain body 110 is further configured with a first section 112 and asecond section 114 separated by a center wall 116. The main body may befashioned from a durable material including and not limited to plastic,metal, a composite, or other durable materials suited for withstandingthe forces exerted by a dog pulling on a leash attached to the lockingdevice 100.

The first section 112 and the second section 114 are configured toaccept the lock piece 130 and the hook 120, respectively. The firstsection 112 has the slit 112 a configured on the bottom end of thelocking device 100. As mentioned above, the lock piece 130 is fixedlyconnected to the leash 400 and the slit 112 a is adapted to allow theleash 400 to pass through when the locking device is attached to theleash 400. In operation, the leash 400 can slide back and forth throughthe slit 112 a as the main body 110 is not fixed to the leash 400. Inother words, the main body 110 is connected to the leash 400 by theleash 400 being inserted through the slit 112 a. The leash 400 willslide through back and forth till the lock piece 130 slides into thefirst opening 112 from the open top end and is locked into place. Theslit 112 a has a width that allows the leash 400 to slide back and forthbut not wide enough for the lock piece 130 to go through. In otherwords, the lock piece 130 abuts against the bottom end of the main body110 which includes the slit 112 a and allows the lock piece 130 to nestin first section 112 of the main body 110. The nesting of the lock piece130 in the first section 112 of the main body 110 keeps the collarportion from tightening any further, so the width of the collar portionis set when the lock piece 130 is nesting in the main body 110.

The second section 114 is configured to include the one or more arms140, 142. The one or more arms 140, 146 are attached to the main body110 within the second section 114. As clearly seen in FIG. 3A, thesecond section 114 is configured with a depression 115 on the sidedefining part of the second section and which is parallel to the centerwall 116. The depression 115 is included to allow the hook 120 to beinserted into the second section 114 and sit flush against the top sideand further prevent any side-to-side movement of the hook 120, as shownin FIG. 3B. The second section further includes openings 117 thattraverse the side of the main body 110 which defines part of the secondsection 114 and includes openings 117 in the center wall 116. Theopenings 117 on the side of the main body 110 and the center wall 116are aligned together on the same plane so that the one or more arms 140,146 may be to be connected to the main body 110 within the secondsection 114, which will be discussed below.

The first section 112 and the second section 114 of the main body 110may be rectangular in shape. A rectangular shape is well suited for theleash 400 integrated with the lock device 130 that includes a flat shapefor the leash 400. The first section 112 and second section 114 may haveother shapes if the leash that passes through the first section 112 is arope, chain, cable, etc. It is to be understood that the first section112 and the second section 114 may have different shapes wherein thesecond section 114 may have a rectangular shape and the first sectionmay have an alternate shape designed to accommodate the shape of theleash 400.

The lock device 130 is depicted in FIGS. 3A-B and 5A-C. In FIG. 3A, thelock device 130 is shown to be integrated onto the leash 400 which isinserted into the slit 112 a in the first section 112 of the main body110. In FIG. 3B, the lock device is inserted into the first section andengaged with the one or more arms 140, 146, which will be discussedbelow. In FIGS. 5A-5C, the lock device 130 is shown to be comprised oftwo pieces, a first lock piece 130 a and a second lock piece 130 b whichare fixed onto the leash 400 with the leash 400 between the first andsecond lock pieces 130 a,130 b. As best seen in FIG. 5A, an insidesurface of the first and second lock pieces 130 a, 130 b are shown. FIG.5B shows that the inside surfaces of the first and second lock pieces130 a, 130 b, face each other and attach to the leash 400. In someembodiments, the inside surfaces of the first and second lock pieces 130a, 130 b are configured with a plurality of spikes 132, 134,respectively. One example of the spikes 132, 134, may be an arrowheadtype appearance with a pointed tip. The spikes are useful to pierce intothe leash 400 to partially secure the lock piece 130 to the leash 400.It is to be understood that the first and second lock pieces 130 a, 130b, may not include the spikes 132, 134.

The first and second lock pieces 130 a, 130 b are attached to the leash400 by using a securing element. Referring to FIGS. 5A-C, in one or moreembodiments, the first and second lock pieces 130 a, 130 b, may have aplurality of holes 136 that traverse through each lock piece 130. Theholes 136 on the first lock piece 130 a and the second lock piece 130 balign with each other when each lock piece 130 is placed onto the leash400. The plurality of holes 136 allow the first and second lock pieces130 a and 130 b to be fixed to the leash 400 and to each other. Theplurality of holes 136 are particularly useful for using a fastener 137to be placed through to attach the lock pieces 130 together to the leash400. An example of a fastener 137 may include rivets. It is also to beunderstood that the first and second pieces 130 a, 130 b, may be fixedto each other and the leash 400 by using other securing elements such asand not limited to thread, glue, staples, or another securing element.

FIG. 5C shows an example side view of the lock device 130 on the leash400. In this Figure, only the first lock piece 130 a of the strap 100 isshown to allow for greater detail to be shown on the described portion.The first lock piece 130 a has a projecting element 138 on an outwardfacing surface (surface opposite the side fixed to the leash 400) whichis shaped to engage with the one or more arms 140, 142 to lock thelocking device 130 into the main body 110. The first lock piece 130 awith the projecting element 138 when slid into the first section 112 ofthe main body 110 enters facing the center wall 116. The center wall 116has a groove 118 that is open from the top end of the main body 110 tothe bottom end of the main body 110. The projecting element 138, as thename suggests, projects outward from the first lock piece 130 a, and asthe lock device slides into the first element 112, the projectingelement is guided into the groove 118 of the center wall 116 (See, FIG.7A).

As discussed earlier, the one or more arms 140, 142, are connected tothe main body 110 within the second section 114. The one or more arms140, 142, may be configured to cause the lock piece 130 to engage anddisengage within the main body 110 of the locking device 100.Additionally, the one or more arms 140, 142, may also be configured tocause the hook 120 to engage and disengage within the main body 110. Asseen in the Figures, the locking device 100 has two arms, a first arm140 and a second arm 142. Each of the first and second arms 140, 142,are attached to the main body 110 within the second section 114 by a pin145 which is inserted into the openings 117 in the second section andthe openings 141, 143, on the first and second arms 140, 142,respectively. The pin 145 fixes each of the first and second arms 140,142 to the first section 114 of the main body. A portion of the firstand second arms 140, 142 extends outside of the main body 110, whichallows a surface for a user to press on to move the first and secondarms 140, 142 at the pin 145 which functions as an axel. Stated anotherway, the first and second arms 140, 142 rotate at the pin 145 within thesecond section 114 of the main body 110.

The first and second arms 140, 142 extend toward the bottom end of themain body 110 and a tip of each arm 140, 142 at the bottom end arerelatively close to each other or almost touching. Referring to FIG. 7Athe first and second arms 140, 142, may each include a spring engagingportion 140 a, 142 a, respectively. Specifically, the spring engagingportions 140 a, 142 a are relatively configured near the tip of each arm140, 142, and facing toward the side of the main body 110. Each of thespring engaging portions 140 a, 142 a, are attached to a spring device144, 146, respectively, which push against an inside wall of the secondsection 114 in the main body 110. The spring engaging portions 140 a,142 a attached to their respective spring device 144, 146, provide arestoring force on the first and second arms 140, 142, respectively. Auser applies pressure (by pressing) on the first and second arms 140,142, rotating the first and second arms at the pin 145. The rotationwith the applied pressure moves the first and second 140, 142, upward atthe outside portion and the tips away from a center of the bottom end ofthe second section 114. Releasing the pressure off the first and secondarms 140, 142, returns the first and second arms 140, 142, back to theirresting position which is with the tips near the center of the bottomend of the second section 114 of the main body 110. The spring devices144, 146 may be steel springs or other similar devices that provide arestoring force. The first and second arms 140, 142 may be fashionedfrom the same material as the main body 110 including and not limited tometal, plastic, or other durable materials.

FIGS. 6A to 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3Bto depict the hook 120 engaging and disengaging with the first andsecond arms 140, 142. Disengaging the hook 120 detaches the hook fromthe main body 110 and opens up the collar portion 410. In other words,the detaching the hook 120 from the main body undoes the collar portion410. The hook 120 has a broad tip 124 which enters the second section114 and engages with the first and second arms 140, 142. FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow that as the hook 120 is inserted into the second section 114, thebroad tip 124 pushes against the first and second arms 140, 142, causingthem to move backwards to make space for the broad tip 124 on the hook120 to move past the first and second arms 140, 142 to fit at the bottomend of the second section 114. Once the broad tip 124 on the hook 120moves past the first and second arms 140, 142, the spring devices 144,146 move the first and second arms 140 back to their original positionengaging them over the broad tip 124 and preventing the hook 120 frommoving. Thus, the first and second arms 140, 142 lock the hook 120 intothe second section 114. FIG. 6C shows that the hook 120 is disengagedand unlocked when the first and second arms 140, 142 are moved at thepins 145 causing the first and second arms 140, 142 to move away fromthe broad tip 124 freeing the hook 120 to slide out of the secondsection 114.

FIGS. 3A and 8 also illustrate that the first arm 140 has a wide tip 148which extends toward the center wall 116, and more particularly towardthe groove 118 in the center wall 116. The wide tip 148 locks the lockpiece 130 in the first section 112 of the main body 110. Specifically,the wide tip 148 of the first arm 140 engages with the projectingelement 138 on the lock piece 130 to hold the lock piece 130 within thefirst section 112 of the main body 110. FIGS. 7A and 7B show examplecross-sectional views taken from FIG. 3B along line A-A. FIG. 7A andFIG. 8 show the first and second arms 140, 146 connected within thesecond section 114 with a view of the lock device 130 within the firstsection (not shown in this figure). The projecting element 138 is shownin the groove 118 of the center wall 116. The first arm 140 is shown tobe engaged with the lock piece 130 by preventing the movement of thelock piece out of the first section of the main body 110. Specifically,the wide tip 148 is above the projecting element 138 in the groove ofthe main body 110 such that the lock piece 130 is prevented from movingupward by the projecting element 138 prevented from moving upward in thegroove 118 by the wide tip 148. FIG. 7B shows the first arm 140disengaged from the lock piece 130. Specifically, the first arm 140 maybe moved at the pin 145 causing the wide tip 148 to be moved away from aposition above the projecting element 138 and thus allowing the lockdevice 130 to move upward with the projecting element 138 moving upwardthrough the groove 118 unhindered.

FIGS. 9A to 9D depict an embodiment of the locking device 100 integratedonto a leash 400 being used with a dog 500. In FIG. 9A, a user wouldensure that the lock piece is disengaged and not inserted into the mainbody 110 of the locking device. The user may widen the collar portion410 of the leash 400 to be able to slip it over the dog's head. FIG. 9Bshows that the collar portion 410 has been slipped over the dog's headand is loosely placed around the dog's neck. In FIG. 9C, the strapsection 420 of the leash 410 may be pulled on to slide the leash throughthe main body 110 moving the lock piece 130 into the main body 110 toengage with the first arm locking the lock piece into place. Oncelocked, the width of the collar portion 410 is set and as the leash ispulled on while around the dog's neck, the collar portion will nottighten or loosen. FIG. 9D shows where the hook 120 can detach from themain body 110 for a quick release of the locking device from the dogwithout needing to slip the collar portion 410 over the dog's head. Thismay be useful for speedily releasing the dog from the leash 400.

The locking device 100 integrated onto a leash 400 has severaladvantages over existing dog collars. The locking device 100 may beslipped over the head of the dog and secured by sliding the main body110 along the leash until the lock piece 130 fixed onto the leash 400enters the main body 110. Thus, the locking device 100 integrated onto aleash may be more easily and more conveniently placed over on a dog. Thelock piece 130 engages with the first arm to prevent the collar portion410 placed around the dog's neck from loosening by preventing the lockpiece from sliding back out of the open top end. Additionally, the lockpiece 130 is able to nest within the main body by pushing against theclosed bottom end and thus the collar portion is prevented fromtightening an further on the dog's neck. The size of the collar portion410 can be adjusted using the adjustment mechanism 412 so the leash 400integrated with the locking device 100 can be adjusted for dogs ofdifferent sizes. The quick release mechanism of the hook 120 allows theleash 400 integrated with the locking device 100 to be quickly andeasily released from around the dog's neck.

FIGS. 10A to 14 depict an alternative embodiment of a locking device 200that may be integrated onto a leash 400 that can be secured around theneck of a dog similar to the disclosure above in reference to the firstembodiment of the locking device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 10A illustrates thelocking device 200 only in order to provide a clear view of all theelements that comprise the locking device 200. FIG. 10B illustrates thelocking device 200 integrated with leash 400 to show that the likeelements of the locking device 200 are integrated onto the leash 400 asdiscussed above in reference to the locking device 100 integrated ontothe leash 400. FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the lockingdevice 200 only to provide a clearer view of the elements comprising thelocking device 200.

The locking device 200 comprises of similar elements to the lockingdevice 100 including a main body 210, a hook 220, a lock piece 230, andfirst and second arms 240, 242. All elements are the same as discussedin the above embodiment of the locking device 100. There are a fewdifferences which will be discussed herein. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and12, the main body 210 has a center wall 216 with two parallel grooves218 separated by a center post 216 a (whereas the locking device 100discussed above has one groove 118). The first and second arms 240, 242both engage with the lock piece 230, and both the first and second arms240, 242 are configured with a wide tip 248, 249, respectively as seenin FIGS. 11 and 14. Thus, as seen in FIG. 14, the lock piece 230 isconfigured with two projecting elements 238 wherein each of theprojecting elements is guided into one groove so that each of the twogrooves has one of the projecting elements 238 side by side as the lockpiece is inserted into the first section. The two projecting elements238 engage with the wide tips 248, 249, on the first and second arms240, 242, respectively. The first and second arms 240, 242, also engagewith the hook 220. The process to engage and disengage the hook 220 isthe same as discussed above for the locking device 100. However, boththe first and second arms 240, 242, need to be pressed on to move thearms 240, 242 away from the projecting elements 238 on the lock piece toallow the lock to be moved out of a first section 212 of the main body210. The first and second arms 240, 242 need only be pressed halfway tomove them away from the projecting elements 238 to disengage and movethe lock piece 230. Fully depressing the first and second arms 240, 242,moves them away from a broad tip 224 of the hook 220 and thus allowingboth the hook 220 and the lock piece 230 to disengage and move out ofthe main body 210.

Accordingly, the present description provides for various embodimentsfor a locking device that can be integrated onto a leash that can besecured around the neck of a dog, other animal, or object. Many uses andadvantages are offered by the locking device as described above in oneor more non-limiting embodiments in the present description.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of anymeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. The present invention, according to one ormore embodiments described in the present description, may be practicedwith modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of theappended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrativeinstead of restrictive of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a main body having foursides, a center wall, a closed bottom, and an open top, wherein thecenter wall divides the main body into a first section and a secondsection; a first arm and a second arm connected to the main body; a hookconfigured to slide into the main body and engage with the first andsecond arms within the main body; a lock piece configured to slide intothe main body to nest against the closed bottom and engage with thefirst arm; and wherein the device is integrated onto a leash materialforming a collar portion to go around an animal's neck, and a strap witha handle.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the hook and the lock pieceare fixedly connected to the leash material and the main body has a slitin the closed bottom of the first section and the leash material isinserted through the slit so the main body is slidably connected to theleash material, wherein the main body is prevented from sliding when thelock piece slides into the main body.
 3. The device of claim 2, whereinthe hook has an opening configured to allow the leash material to fitthrough and loop around the opening to connect the leash material to thehook.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the lock piece has a first pieceand a second piece which are fixedly connected to the leash material,wherein the leash material is positioned between and fixedly connectedto the first piece and the second piece by a securing element.
 5. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein a surface of the first piece and a surface ofthe second piece which are placed against the leash material are eachconfigured with a plurality of spikes.
 6. The device of claim 2, whereinthe collar portion is formed with the lock piece and the hook engagedwith the first and second arms in the main body, and wherein the lockpiece is nesting within the first section and the hook is inserted inthe second section.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first arm andthe second arm are each connected to the main body by a pin which isplaced within openings that traverse through the first and second armsand a side of the main body and the center wall defining the secondsection, wherein the first and second arms are configured to move at thepin, and wherein the first and second arms each have a spring engagingportion and a connected spring for moving the first and second arms backto their original positions when they are moved at the pins.
 8. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein the hook is configured with a broad tip whichengages with the first and second arms when the hook is inserted intothe second section of the main body; wherein the first and second armsare engaged with the hook by resting above the broad tip to prevent thehook from sliding out of the second section; and wherein the hook isdisengaged when the first and second arms are moved away from the broadtip of the hook freeing the hook to slide out of the second section. 9.The device of claim 7, wherein the first arm has a wide tip whichextends toward a groove in the center wall, wherein the first armengages with a projecting element configured on the lock piece whichprojects outward from the lock piece and is configured to fit within thegroove as the lock piece slides in the first section; wherein the widetip of the first arm is above the projecting element and is configuredto prevent the lock piece from moving out of the first section; andwherein the lock piece is disengaged when the first arm with the widetip is moved away from the projecting element freeing the lock piece toslide out of the first section.
 10. A device comprising: a main bodyhaving four sides, a center wall, a closed bottom, and an open top,wherein the center wall divides the main body into a first section and asecond section; a first arm and a second arm connected to the main body;a hook configured to slide into the main body and engage with the firstand second arms within the main body; a lock piece configured to slideinto the main body to nest against the closed bottom and engage with thefirst arm and the second arm; and wherein the device is integrated ontoa leash material forming a collar portion to go around an animal's neck,and a strap with a handle.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the hookand the lock piece are fixedly connected to the leash material and themain body has a slit in the closed bottom of the first section and theleash material is inserted through the slit, so the main body isslidably connected to the leash material, wherein the main body isprevented from sliding when the lock piece slides into the main body.12. The device of claim 11, wherein the hook has an opening configuredto allow the leash material to fit through and loop around the openingto connect the leash material to the hook.
 13. The device of claim 11,wherein the lock piece has a first piece and a second piece which arefixedly connected to the leash material, wherein the leash material ispositioned between and fixedly connected to the first piece and thesecond piece by a securing element.
 14. The device of claim 13, whereina surface of the first piece and a surface of the second piece which areplaced against the leash material are each configured with a pluralityof spikes.
 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the collar section isformed with the lock piece and the hook engaged with the first andsecond arms in the main body, and wherein the lock piece is nestingwithin the first section and the hook is inserted in the second section.16. The device of claim 10, wherein the first arm and the second arm areconnected to the main body by a pin which is placed within openings thattraverse through the first and second arms, a side of the main body, andthe center wall defining the second section, wherein the first andsecond arms are configured to move at the pin, and wherein the first andsecond arms each have a spring engaging portion and a connected springfor moving the first and second arms back to their original positionswhen they are moved at the pins.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein thehook is configured with a broad tip which engages with the first andsecond arms when the hook is inserted into the second section of themain body; wherein the first and second arms are engaged with the hookby resting above the broad tip to prevent the hook from sliding out ofthe second section; and wherein the hook is disengaged when the firstand second arms are moved away from the broad tip of the hook freeingthe hook to slide out of the second section.
 18. The device of claim 16,wherein the lock piece has two projecting elements configured on asurface facing toward the center wall, wherein the two projectingelements extend outward; wherein the center wall has two parallelgrooves between a center post, wherein each groove of the two parallelgrooves accommodates one of the two projecting elements when the lockpiece slides in the first section; wherein the first arm and the secondarm each have a wide tip wherein each of the wide tips extends towardthe two parallel grooves to engage with the two projecting elements,wherein the wide tips extending above the two projecting elementsprevent the lock piece from moving out of the first section; and whereinthe lock piece is disengaged when the wide tips of the first and secondarms are moved away from the two projecting elements freeing the lockpiece to slide out of the first section.
 19. A device comprising: a mainbody having a first section and a second section, wherein the top end isopen, and the bottom end is closed, and the first section has a slit inthe bottom end; a first arm and a second arm, wherein each arm isconnected to the main body within the second section by a pin, whereinthe first arm and the second arm move at the pin; a hook configured witha broad tip to slide into the second section of the main body, whereinthe broad tip engages with the first and second arms to prevent the hookfrom moving out of the second section, wherein moving the first andsecond arms away from the broad tips disengages the hook; a lock piececonfigured with one or more projecting elements which engage with a widetip on at least the first arm, wherein the lock piece is configured toslide into the first section of the main body and nest against theclosed bottom, wherein the one or more projecting elements engage withthe wide tip on at least the first arm to prevent the lock piece fromsliding out the open top of the first section, wherein moving the firstarm and the wide tip away from the one or more projecting elementsdisengages the lock piece; and wherein the device is integrated onto aleash material forming a collar portion to go around an animal's neck,and a strap with a handle.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein thecollar section is formed with the lock piece nesting within the firstsection of the main body and the hook inserted into the second sectionof the main body, and wherein the lock piece and the hook are engagedwith the first and second arms in the main body.